Residents press Woodbridge for formal TNR policy after colony cats vanish; council cites limited municipal funding
April 03, 2024 | Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey
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Several residents used the public-comment portion of the meeting to press the council for a formal trap-neuter-return (TNR) policy after cats that had been part of a managed colony were reported missing.
March Petro described a local TNR effort that sterilized 12 cats and said five cats remained in a colony after rescues; she told council members the five cats have not been seen for two weeks and asked what recourse caretakers have and whether TNR cats are protected on township property. "We TNR'd 12 cats... 5 were left... 2 weeks ago tomorrow, they disappeared," Petro said, asking "Where are the cats? Who do I go to?"
Other residents recounted personal rescues and said TNR reduces reproduction and disease. "The TNR program is so important because without it, they can't begin to be helped," one resident said, describing veterinary care, vaccinations and colony stabilization.
Pauline Rhodes, who brought photographs, asked whether the township would work with TNR advocates to shape ordinances, coordinate fundraising and train caretakers, saying local shelters lack the funds and staff to rehabilitate injured animals.
In response, a council representative said Woodbridge Animal Control provides TNR assistance and reported 21 feral cats assisted so far this year; the speaker said 10 of those were funded by the Woodbridge Bridal Group and 11 were funded by the township. The council representative noted the township had not identified another municipality with a dedicated TNR budget line and said establishing a formal policy would require council discussion. "We provide TNR assistance... so far this year, Woodbridge Animal Control has provided TNR assistance to 21 feral cats," the official said.
Council and staff acknowledged competing resident views—caregivers supporting TNR and neighbors who complain about cats—and emphasized the administration is comfortable with the health department's current approach while remaining open to further discussion.
No formal municipal ordinance establishing protections for TNR colonies was adopted during the meeting; councilmembers indicated any policy change would need to be referred for further study and possible legislation.
March Petro described a local TNR effort that sterilized 12 cats and said five cats remained in a colony after rescues; she told council members the five cats have not been seen for two weeks and asked what recourse caretakers have and whether TNR cats are protected on township property. "We TNR'd 12 cats... 5 were left... 2 weeks ago tomorrow, they disappeared," Petro said, asking "Where are the cats? Who do I go to?"
Other residents recounted personal rescues and said TNR reduces reproduction and disease. "The TNR program is so important because without it, they can't begin to be helped," one resident said, describing veterinary care, vaccinations and colony stabilization.
Pauline Rhodes, who brought photographs, asked whether the township would work with TNR advocates to shape ordinances, coordinate fundraising and train caretakers, saying local shelters lack the funds and staff to rehabilitate injured animals.
In response, a council representative said Woodbridge Animal Control provides TNR assistance and reported 21 feral cats assisted so far this year; the speaker said 10 of those were funded by the Woodbridge Bridal Group and 11 were funded by the township. The council representative noted the township had not identified another municipality with a dedicated TNR budget line and said establishing a formal policy would require council discussion. "We provide TNR assistance... so far this year, Woodbridge Animal Control has provided TNR assistance to 21 feral cats," the official said.
Council and staff acknowledged competing resident views—caregivers supporting TNR and neighbors who complain about cats—and emphasized the administration is comfortable with the health department's current approach while remaining open to further discussion.
No formal municipal ordinance establishing protections for TNR colonies was adopted during the meeting; councilmembers indicated any policy change would need to be referred for further study and possible legislation.
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